First year FO pay has not been getting lower. Its been abysmal for a long time. More senior pay has been decreasing, THAT is where the concessions have come.
You are correct, it has always been very low, but regardless of that fact we must put an end to this practice.
Mr. Babitt testified in Congress today, and here is a short statement I copied from his testimony:
Pilots also have a regulatory responsibility to not fly when they are not fit, including being fatigued. Thus, while the carrier schedules and manages pilots within these limitations and requirements, the pilot has the responsibility to rest during the periods provided by the regulations. The FAA has long held that it is the responsibility of both the operator and the flight crewmember to prevent fatigue, not only by following the regulations, but also by acting intelligently and conscientiously while serving the traveling public. This means taking into consideration weather conditions, air traffic, health of each flight crewmember, or any other circumstances (personal problems, etc.) that might affect the flight crewmember’s alertness or judgment on a particular flight.
Mr. Babitt stated it.. the pilot has a responsibility to rest. So pilots are not supposed to be working but rather resting. With first year wages (and all FO wages for that matter) being so low, how can one sustain a living without a second job? You would have to either become a 'subsidized pilot' or not adhere to an FAA interpretation of what your supposed to do on your day's off.